Forest Fires and Lung Health Fact Sheet

Is Forest Fire Smoke Taking your Breath Away?

Forest fires are often a concern especially during dry, hot summers. The health effects from smoke can range from mild to severe and can even be life threatening. When forest fires are in effect we advise everyone to take measures to avoid the forest fire smoke as much as possible. Smoke can affect everyone’s health and breathing.

Some common symptoms from smoke exposure may include:

irritated eyes

runny nose

headaches

worsening of allergies

If you have lung disease such as Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you are especially at risk. Worsening Asthma or COPD symptoms that are not managed can lead to an Asthma emergency or a COPD lung attack. A COPD lung attack (COPD flare-up) can be just as deadly as a heart attack. Both a COPD lung attack and an Asthma emergency may result in the need for hospitalization and even death.

If you have Asthma or COPD, you may experience worsening of symptoms such as:

shortness of breath

cough

wheeze

chest tightness

increased mucous production

If Asthma or COPD symptoms worsen, refer to your COPD Action Plan / Asthma Action Plan or call your health care provider. These two diseases are common, but serious. As many as one in five Canadian children have asthma and it is the leading cause of hospital admissions for youth. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in our country and also results in more hospitalizations than other major chronic diseases such as heart failure, angina, and diabetes. Everyone should know the warning signs of an asthma emergency and a COPD lung attack which requires immediate medical attention.

Warning Signs of an Asthma Emergency:

Struggling for breath

Very rapid breathing

Fast activating (rescue) inhaler doesn’t help or you need it more than every 4 hours

Sucking in skin above breastbone and between ribs

Being really tired/ lethargic (because of the work of breathing)

Finding it hard to speak - you can’t finish a sentence

Nostrils flaring out

Pale, grey, sweating

Blue lips or nail beds

Warning Signs of a COPD Lung Attack:

Chest pain

Blue lips or fingers

Confusion

Drowsiness

Extreme shortness of breath

If you or someone you love experiences an asthma emergency or a COPD lung attack, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department right away. Do not drive yourself. Take your fast acting (rescue) inhaler as necessary on your way to the hospital.

General recommendations for everyone to avoid forest fire smoke:

Remain indoors

Keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut

Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting so outside air will not be moved inside

Avoid exercising outdoors

Take extra precaution with children, who are more susceptible to smoke because their breathing systems are still developing and they breathe in proportionally more air (and therefore more smoke) than adults.

Older adults are more likely to have heart or lung disease, which can make them more susceptible to smoke. Extra precaution should also be taken during forest fire season.

Keep your windows and vents closed while driving. Again, only use air conditioning in the recirculate setting

Do not have campfires or use backyard fire pits. This adds to the poor air quality.

Do not rely on dust masks for protection from forest fire smoke. A good quality face mask labelled N95 can trap the larger particles in the air that irritate your nose and throat. However, these masks will not protect your lungs from the small particles found in smoke.

Evacuation Areas

If you live in an area that might need to be evacuated due to forest fires or wild fires, be prepared. Pack an emergency kit which includes prescriptions and medications.

For more information or if you have questions about lung health, contact The Lung Association of Saskatchewan to speak with one of our Certified Respiratory Educators (CRE).